Cell phenotypes, immunoglobulins and complement in lesions of eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis

Abstract

Mycetoma (maduromycosis) is a common health problem in Sudan. The causative organisms are either true fungi (eumycetoma) or actinomycetes (actinomycetoma). The commonest eumycetoma in Sudan is caused by M mycetomatis. The cell phenotypes, immunoglobulins and complement in lesions of M mycetomatis were characterized by immunohistochemistry. In the H&E sections there were three types of inflammatory reactions. Type I reaction consisted of three zones: a neutrophil zone surrounding the grain, an intermediate zone of macrophages and giant cells and a peripheral zone consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The neutrophils stained positively for CD15. The macrophages were positive for CD68. The majority of cells in the outermost zone were CD3 positive (T lymphocytes); they were rimmed by CD20 positive cells (B lymphocytes). In type II reaction there was no neutrophil zone, the grain being surrounded by macrophages and giant cells that stained positive for CD68. Type III reaction consisted of a discrete epithelioid granuloma without wellformed grains. IgG, IgM and C3 were found on the surface of the grain and the hyphae .

Keywords: Madurella mycetomatis lesion, cell phenotypes, immunoglobulins, complement

Sudanese Journal of Dermatology Vol. 4(1) 2006: 2-5